Cotton Incorporated Partners With American Eagle Outfitters For Nationwide “Cotton. From Blue To Green.™” Denim Recycling Program

October 1, 2012

NEW YORK CITY — September 26, 2012 — Cotton Incorporated and American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:
AEO) announced a continued partnership for the Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ denim recycling
program, taking place in over 800 American Eagle Outfitters stores across the U.S.

Beginning October 3rd through October 14th, American Eagle Outfitters customers are invited
to bring any type of denim from any brand to American Eagle Outfitters stores. The denim is
then given a “new life” by being converted into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation. Everyone who recycles
their denim will receive a 20% discount on their AEO purchase that day.

People Stylewatch is helping to create further awareness for denim recycling at American
Eagle Outfitters through promotion in their October publication. Customers can check out the latest
denim trends in the magazine’s 2nd annual Denim Awards issue and then head to American Eagle
Outfitters to purchase new jeans, at a discount, when they turn in their old ones. People
StyleWatch branding will appear on the denim drop boxes and in fitting room signage featured at
American Eagle Outfitters.

“Cotton Incorporated is excited to once again partner with American Eagle Outfitters,” said
Marissa Barlin, National Spokesperson, Cotton. From Blue to Green.™. “This program allows customers
a discount on new denim, while offering the environmentally-responsible option to keep old denim
out of landfills.”

In addition to working with American Eagle Outfitters, the denim recycling program continues
to gain momentum by partnering with colleges, consumers and corporate responsibility programs
throughout the nation. All denim collected through the Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ program
is recycled into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation, and a portion of this insulation, up to
approximately 250,000 square feet, will be distributed in 2013 to communities in need.

This year, American Eagle Outfitters is adding a unique social element to the program with
the Recycle. Rejean. Contest. Starting on October 1st and ending on October 10th, people from
around the nation can show how they are personally committed to helping communities in need.
Applicants can go to the photo contest tab at www.facebook.com/americaneagle and submit a
volunteer-themed photo and a description explaining why volunteering is important to them. Selected
applicants will then appear on the official American Eagle Outfitters Facebook page where eligible
fans can vote for their favorite from October 10th through October 14th. The contestant with the
most votes will receive a trip to New Orleans to help build a house with the New Orleans Area
Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) next year.

“American Eagle Outfitters’ customers are committed to giving back to their communities,”
said Marcie Eberhart, Director of the American Eagle Outfitters Foundation. “The Cotton. From Blue
to Green.™ denim drive and the Recycle. Rejean. Contest. allow them a way to take action by
diverting denim from landfills and also inspire others around the nation to join in on voluntary
efforts.”

In 2006, Cotton Incorporated and Bonded Logic partnered for the launch of the Cotton. From
Blue to Green.™ denim recycling program. The denim collected is given new life by converting it to
UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation. To date, the Cotton. From Blue to Green.™ program has received
nearly 850,000 pieces of denim, resulting in over 1.7 million square feet of insulation. That’s
approximately 531 tons of denim diverted from landfills.

For a list of participating American Eagle Outfitters locations, as well as more information
about the program, visit www.CottonFromBlueToGreen.org.